FILE AND PRINT SHARING OVER WAN
Hello -I'm working off a laptop (computer A) and need to access files/data on another computer (Computer B) in a (far away) different location.Computer B is connected to a Belkin router, which is conf'g to forward traffic on ports TCP/UDP 135 through 139 and 445 to Computer B. The router also forwards Remote Desktop traffic on port 3389 to Computer B. There router's built-in firewall is disabled.Computer A is not connected to a router.On both computer A and B, Windows Firewall is running, and exceptions are enabled for File & Print Sharing.I am able to Remote Desktop into Computer B from Computer A, and I can ping Computer B from Computer A, but I cannot get a 'net use ...' or 'net view' command to work. "Not working" means waiting for my net view or net use command to time out (about 30 seconds) followed by a system error 53 saying the network path can't be found.I am only working with IP addresses - no computer names or anything that could cause a problem with a hosts file. The fact I can ping the target computer, AND can remote desktop into it tells me the router is probably not the problem (but I can't be sure).Unfortunately I'm about 1000 miles away from computer A, so removing it from the router and plugging it directly into the cable modem (... just as a test) is not an option.Both Computer A and B are running XP Pro SP3.Another (possibly) interesting point: Computer A has no trouble accessing files/data on Computer B (via File & Print Sharing) when I'm at the same location as Computer B (i.e. when A and B are on the same LAN, everything works fine). The problem only happens once I take Computer A off the LAN, and try to access files/data over a WAN.Not sure this matters, but computer A gets its connection (wired) through Cablevision (in NYC) and computer B gets its connection (wired) through Time Warner.Help ! (and thanks for any advice/suggestions)1 person needs an answerI do too
July 2nd, 2010 6:13am

HiQuote: "There router's built-in firewall is disabled".The Router's NAT (firewall) might be actually needed to stay On, otherwise port forwarding does not work correctly. Jack MVP-Networking. EZLAN.NET
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July 2nd, 2010 6:40am

Many ISPs block the file/printer sharing ports because of the inherent potential for abuse. Most likely this is your problem. Call your ISP and ask them if they are blocking these ports.On the flip side, for what you are trying to do you really should look into a VPN solution. Placing computer B behind a VPN-capable router is not only much more secure (all transfers are encrypted) but you will also have access to all other machines on the LAN behind the same router without having to mess with port forwarding. VPN ports are not blocked by ISPs due to their inherent security.HTH, JW
July 2nd, 2010 11:43pm

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